Why does my new car need “paint correction” before coating, is a question I get asked constantly. And to be honest, I totally understand where this is coming from. Your new cars finish should be pretty close to flawless. But the reality is that it’s not. Things happen when you car is in transit, while its going through the pre-delivery inspection, and oh lets not think about those teenage kids with dirty brushes who get their hands on it before you take delivery. Sometimes, your car will sit outside at the port or the dealership for days or even weeks before you take delivery. Basically, a lot can happen in the time that car leaves the assembly line and you then take ownership. This is why we recommend a paint correction before coating.
Professional detailers will take the time to mechanically (think clay bar) and chemically (think iron remover and other products) to get the finish as clean as possible before we apply a ceramic coating. But remember, paint is porous. A polish or correction step not only enhances the gloss and clarity of your finish; but mechanically cleans the finish and removes embedded contaminants that were still left behind. This polish or correction step will also be used to remove any swirl marks or defects that may have been put into the finish before you car was delivered.
The point of a ceramic coating is to make overall maintenance far easier, but its bonus job is how it enhances your vehicle’s finish. When we apply a ceramic coating, the condition of your finish is “locked in.” So any swirling or scratching that is already present will still be visible. Thus, even your new car will need some sort of paint correction.
In the end, you can help to reduce the chance of defects occurring on your new vehicles finish before you take delivery. Talk to your salesman and ensure they are instructed not to wash or detail your vehicle before delivery. Yes, your vehicle will not be super clean, but you have helped to protect your finish from defects. Contact Carolinas Finest Detailing for an appointment!